Fulham will take on Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow still searching for their first away win of the season.
Volz: We Deserved 3-1
Moritz Volz on Fulham’s away form: ‘It?s been very frustrating for us this season because at home it all seems to come together really well, but we?ve got dismal away form.
‘I can?t put it down to any one thing in particular. A big part of it is the belief we now have at home. And away it?s the opposite ? the lack of confidence.’
Volz on Van Der Sar and Saha: ‘Edwin’s technical ability is amazing. He?s one of the absolute best in that department – things like his kicking, his composure on the ball.
‘He can make great saves on the line, he has great reactions. He?s also very dedicated and still wants to succeed, so he thrives on the big stage.
‘United fans haven?t seen the half of Louis yet. He was an amazing player at Fulham and was just scary to play against once he had that confidence.
Volz on Fulham’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford in October, 2003: ‘That was my first ever game at Old Trafford so to win like that topped off a pretty special day for me. We played really well ? we didn?t just scrap a win, we deserved it.’
Chris Coleman: ‘It was an excellent 3-1 victory, it wasn’t a smash and grab either, we played very, very well and if we can repeat that then great. Baring in mind though our away form hasn’t been great, we have seven games left and we need to be looking to take at least 8 or 9 points from those seven away games then that would be fantastic considering our away points tally so far. It does mean that we need to win some games away from home, but I know that we are capable of this. We have the ability to go to Old Trafford and get the victory but it won’t be easy regardless of the Blackburn result.
‘I don’t think about potential backlashes, I just know it is going to be a tough game, simple as that. I love playing Man United home or away, they are one of the best clubs in the world and these are the games we look forward to the most.’
Edwin Van Der Sar on playing his former club: ”I still know people at Fulham and I don?t want to get any stick for losing, so there?s an added incentive.
‘I got a great reception at Craven Cottage. I didn?t expect anything less from the Fulham fans. I always did my best in the four years that I played for Fulham. They gave me a nice welcome.’
Man Utd Team News:
Louis Saha has been in fantastic form recently and would be unlucky not to be included in the first 11 against his former club. Van Der Sar will expect to retain his place as well whilst Ryan Giggs is expected to be back on the bench for United. Alan Smith is back form suspension which means Rio Ferdinand is expected to drop back into central defence following his nightmare error against Blackburn in United’s thrilling 4-3 midweek defeat.
Vital predicted line-up:
Van Der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra, Fletcher, Smith, Ronaldo, Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Saha
Player to watch: Louis Saha
Has been in phenomenol form since his return from injury with 8 goals in 11 games and will want to put one over his former club.
Fulham Team News:
Chris Coleman will expect to field an almost unchanged eleven from the team that beat Spurs 1-0 on Monday. Simon Elliot could drop to the bench to accomodate new signing Michael Brown in the midfield. Liam Rosenior and Wayne Bridge can expect to keep their places in the side after both put in a fantastic performance against Tottenham. Steed Malbranque will continue his comeback from injury as well.
Player to watch: Luis Boa Morte
Looking sharp and ready to unleash further misery over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Old Trafford tomorrow. He scored twice when the Cottagers won their in October 2003.
Match Facts & Stats
United will be looking to bounce back after their defeat away to Blackburn in midweek. They have won 73% of their home matches this season and have scored twelve goals in their last four home games (all wins) against Wigan, West Brom, Bolton and Liverpool.
Fulham in contrast have been dire away from home this season, only picking up 3 points from 12 games and are still searching for the first league win away from Craven Cottage.
Match Prediction:
Fulham will fight for it but Old Trafford is a diificult place to go and United will be looking to get back to winning ways.
Vital prediction: 3-1 to United.
